Tuesday, September 29, 2009

I contacted the folks at Chike and asked for some samples for my support group, and holy cow did they come through. Each sample comes in half portion measures, just right for testing out. Each measure is to be mixed into four ounces of water.

OK, so I don't love that you have to use so many scoops to get a full serving of protein, but then again it does help reduce the thick milky feeling that so many protein supps have. It also gives you the option of having just a snack instead of a full meal replacement.

Tastewise....IS NOM!!! So far I've only tried the Chocolate, Very Vanilla, and Banana. I'll be getting into the Strawberry and Orange Creme today. The chocolate and vanilla are both divine. The Banana tastes like the yummy banana pudding from childhood, that should ALWAYS be scooped up with Nilla wafers. Creamy, thick but not overly so, and don't leave that "GAAAAAAG I just drank curdled milk!" feeling. It fills you up nicely without sitting heavily in your stomach. And they blend up with ice PERFECTLY, without getting foamy. I also really like that you don't have to use milk to blend it. When blended with room temp tap water it mixed up great, no lumps at all. (Nobody loves a lumpy protein!) This would be great for tossing into aformula container for a take-along. I'll be blending with cold water today to check for "cold-blend-ability."

This is going to be great for using in my own shake recipes and drinks. I did try the vanilla in my coffee one day...oops, it was too hot! If you want to use it as a powdered creamer LET YOUR COFFEE COOL FOR A FEW MINUTES FIRST or you'll have scrambled coffee. I tried it again the right way...GOOD STUFF. I'll post a few ideas at the end...

It IS a little pricey, but I'm learning that good protein is worth spending money on. For a 1.59 lb tub with 15 servings it's $26.50. BUT WAIT!!!! I have a discount code for you!!! YOU can pay just 22.53 with my 15% discount code, keeler15. And really, who doesn't love saving money? With the discount code that works out to $1.50 per serving. And because it IS a whey protein isolate, you're getting high quality absorbability.

All in all, I give it...FOUR NOMS.

Contact the folks at Chike, and get some proteiny goodness. You won't regret it!!

Shake ideas:

Chocolate/PB/Nanner

1 serving CHIKE Chocolate protein supplement

1 tbsp JIF Natural peanut butter

1/2 banana

1 cup crushed ice

1/2 cup water

Buzz in the blender until smooth & creamy.

Peach Pie

1 serving CHIKE Very Vanilla protein supplement

4-6 slices frozen peach (yes, frozen works better)

dash of cinnamon (I love love love Pampered Chef Cinnamon Plus)

1/2 cup ice

1/2 cup water

Buzz in the blender until smooth & creamy.

Banana Cream Pie Shake (like Sonic used to make!)

1 serving CHIKE Banana protein supplement

2 tbsp fat free half & half

1 tbsp banana or vanilla sugar free pudding mix

1/2 cup ice

1/2 cup water

2 Murray sugar free vanilla wafers, crushed

a good squirt of Whipped Cream from the can

Buzz up everything BUT the wafers & whipped cream until smooth & creamy, add in the wafers for just a quick pulse. Top off with some whipped cream just before serving

That's just a few ideas for now. Some friends have been asking for protein shake recipes, so I'll be posting those over the next few days. I meant to do it last week....but...well, you know me. I put off procrastinating!!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

After bariatric surgery we start having our WOW moments. Sometimes it's a moment when we see ourselves in a mirror and don't recognize ourselves. Other times it may be the fact that we can do something that we never would have done before surgery. Last night my WOW moment was actually my husband's, and it put a huge grin on my face for the rest of the night.

We went to the Ball from Obesity last night, and hadn't yet showed Brian my dress. I wanted him to get the full effect. So I was finally ready to go and came out of the bedroom just as Brian was talking to a friend on the phone. My husband went speechless for a few moments, his jaw dropped, and he just got this great smile on his face. I have never felt so beautiful or sexy in my life as I did in that moment. And he made me feel that way over and over again through the night, as we danced and had a fabulous time. He danced with me more last night than he did at our wedding!

I also had a little moment of clarity last night. (I can hear the snickers, shut it! LOL) At the Ball some of my tablemates and I were talking about how easily the weight comes off after surgery, and all of the wonderful ways our lives have changed. As I've said here before, bariatric surgery is certainly NOT an easy way out of obesity. But the comments really got me thinking. So much of this seems easy, with the way the weight is melting off. Then my clarity...Bariatric surgery isn't an easy way out, it makes what was once impossible POSSIBLE. It's made aspects of my life easier, but it's something I work at every day, either by taking the time to exercise, being careful about my food intake so I don't get sick, making sure I get enough protein... It just feels easy, because my life has improved so greatly.

I'm so thankful that I had surgery. I'm not a different person, and I'm definitely shrinking in stature. But the best parts of me are bigger and better than ever.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

We can't do the Walk on Saturday morning because Brian has to coach Matt's football game (BTW, little 5 & 6 year old boys playing football = CUTEST THING ON EARTH!!!). BUUUUUUUUT, we're going to the Ball from Obesity that night. It's a last minute thing, we weren't going to go because we be broke, but my sugreon's office very generously "had to give away some tickets," so we get to go after all.

So of course I HAD to get a new dress, because I got rid of all my fat clothes. And guess what guess what GUESSWHAT....

I bought a size 10.

Holy crapoly! Has vanity sizing really gone that much bigger? Because I didn't even wear a 10 in high school. I forgot to do the sit-down test in it, but I don't think it will be that bad. At least, I hope.

I've gone from a 26 at my biggest, to a 10. And I still have 33 pounds to lose.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

He'll get home on Friday, and I can't wait. In the meantime, though, he really needs to hit the casino and win me some money. I've decided that I want my own motorcycle!! I've been parousing, and I'm back & forth between a V-Star and a Vulcan Nomad. 'Cause I'm all badass now, apparently. LOL

Thursday, September 17, 2009

I've really been neglecting the "Protein first" rule, and had been doing "caffeine first" instead. Sooooo...starting today I'm back to protein first. I'm making myself have some sort of protein beverage BEFORE coffee every day. My goal is to get 70 grams of GOOD protein every day (Goldfish crackers just don't cut it, even if they do have 4 grams of protein per serving. And yes, I got excited over that.), so the earlier in the day that I start...the better.

Today I'm having a Pumpkin shake for breakfast. It really reminds me of those awesome pumpkin pie shakes that I used to get at Dairy Queen EVERY FREAKIN' DAY when I was in high school. I got the recipe from Beth's site. NOM NOM NOM. I added a touch of Pampered Chef's Cinnamon Plus, and it's purrrrfect. NOM.

And did you know that pumpkin has a TON of Vitamin C, which helps you absorb iron? Good stuff, Maynard.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Whatchoo think? That's how thick my hair USED to be, and I don't think I'd wear it down over my forehead like that (oil slick much?) but that's about the length that I want. Brian's gonna haaaaaaaaaaate it. LOL

Even as short as it is, it's still pretty versatile. And I can even spike it when I'm feeling like a badass. Fauxhawk anybody?

Thursday, September 10, 2009

I made the conscious decision to eat ice cream. Real ice cream, full fat, full sugar, my best buddies Ben and Jerry. I'm on the edge of losing my shit and I chose to self medicate with the number one thing that made me fat to begin with.

Of course, it didn't make me feel better. It didn't numb me like it used to. Instead, I want to cry even more because I'm so aware of the choice that I made. It's not like it was even an "OOPS, I started out with a full pint, it's all gone now!"

Granted, I didn't eat the entire pint this time. I don't think I even had a full serving, maybe a quarter cup, at most. It's the fact that I chose to risk dumping. I turned to my entrapment to deal with my emotions and still wasn't able to deal with them because I sat there pissed off at myself for having the spoon in one hand and the pint in the other. I was pissed because there wasn't an immediate solution to what I was stressing about, and the kids were running around being sneaky and I lost my shit. Brian, my best friend and the person I love most in the world, left this morning for two weeks so I couldn't even go to him for support. I'm spoiled by having him around all the time (fuck...I hate crying...) and even though he can't make it better, he at least makes me FEEL better.

I HAVE to find a different release. I HAVE to get back to exercising, that was helping immensely. But I have to find something for when going to the gym isn't feasible. (Killing a bottle of wine by myself probably isn't such a great choice either.)

Fuck, I hate this. I hate that I chose to eat it. I hate that I've been choosing to eat crap for the last few weeks and haven't been working on my protein like I should. I'm so angry at myself, and I end up taking it out on everybody else because I turn into a raging bitch, and then I get even more angry at myself.

So now I'm wallowing...and I've got bubble gut. So far no actual dumping symptoms, but I think I'm going to get a big glass of water and try to get the poison to wash through my system faster, maybe turn on some CD's and light some candles in the bathroom.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Don't tell Brian, but I'm thinking of getting my hair cut. Short. Like Beth's. He hates short hair on me, and doesn't want me cutting it shorter than my chin. But I'm losing so much hair right now, and it's making me insane.

I've got until the 15th to decide. I have a coupon for a $30 wash, cut, & style at Ulta, so I figured I'd use it. I need SOMETHING done. I think I'm going to get some Nioxin shampoo, too, and see if it actually works. Otherwise I may very well be the first person to ever go bald from post-surgical protein loss.

HELP ME FIND GOOD HAIR!! If not something as short as Beth's, something CUTE. All I ever end up with is a variation on a bob, and I'm sick of it.

Monday, September 7, 2009

I just got down about 18 grams of FOOD protein. I had a scrambled egg and two slices of ham. If you know me, you know that's BIG. I have a hard time getting down enough protein.

My goal is to start getting down 70 grams of protein a day. That's up from the 30-40 that I usually get on a really good day. This means I'm going to have to REALLY start getting serious about the protein drinks. Whiiiiiich can be a problem, because I still have issues with milkiness. I thought it was because of the intense heat this summer, but it's not. I just can't do milky anymore. I even tried Muscle Milk, which is supposed to be one of the easier ones to get down, and I just can't do it. PUKE.

I can, however, do Nectar. The only one I've tried so far is the Roadside Lemonade, but it's really good. On it's own it's kind of flat and missing the acidity that makes real lemonade so good, but it's GREAT mixed in a Chick-Fil-A diet lemonade, or with a packet of Ocean Spray Cran-Lemonade. That's my favorite. Only do one scoop servings, as opposed to the suggested two scoops, though. One scoop is 23 grams of protein, which is just right for a post-WLS patient. Any more and your body wouldn't be able to absorb it. Kind of a waste, considering how expensive protein supplements can be!!!

I have GOT to get my protein up, though. My post-surgery hair loss started a few weeks ago, maybe a month ago, and it's terrible. I know that the fact that I'm not getting enough protein doesn't help, either. I also need to start taking a zinc supplement. Did you know that it's protein, calcium, AND zinc that you need in order to keep your hair? I'm only 33, and I've heard that hair plugs don't work so well on women, so I need to do something! :)

Thursday, September 3, 2009

We are a family that loves soup. I think I've only ever made one soup they didn't like, and that was a split pea. I wasn't too fond of it either, for that matter. In fall, when it starts cooling off, we usually have soup once or twice a week. It's cheap, it goes far, and it's so incredibly comforting.

So a few days ago I was watching my CrackTV (also known as Food Network) and Ina Garten made a lentil sausage soup. It looked divine!!! Of course I had to make it!

So now it's simmering away on the stovetop, and I can't wait until we get back from football practice so we can dig in.

Here's the recipe. Take note that it makes SIX FRIGGIN QUARTS, you might want to cut it in half. I just used the recipe as a guideline, did my own measurements. Enjoy!!!

Oh yeah, and one of these days I'll post the recipe for DADDY Soup. BEST SOUP EVER, and the way Brian makes it only comes out to 4 WW points for a huge bowl. GOOD STUFF, MAYNARD.

And just for the record, it came out ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. One of the best soups I've ever made. The only person that didn't like it was Brian...and...well...there's just something wrong with him.

That's it. I'm stuffed. And that was a whoppin' 237 calories and 42 g protein. Gah. I'm going to have to have another lemonade before I go to bed. I have GOT to get my protein to 60 g a day, I want my hair back!!

Check out the nutrition tracker, it's an eye opener. I think I'm going to go back to my habit of posting my eats for the day, too. I need to be more accountable.

BTW, as of this morning, 70 POUNDS GONE!!!! 38 to go until I re-evaluate what my goal should be.

I'm still looking for the actual percentage rate, but did you know that patients that consistently go to support group have a higher rate of loss and success than those that just have WLS and go on with their lives? And it makes sense, really... Going to a support group gives the patient a chance to talk with somebody who's had to deal with head hunger, protein issues, food getting stuck, and people that just don't get it. It gives the new post-op a chance to see folks that are a few years down the line and are still maintaining their loss, which can be such a HUGE encouragement. It gives the long-timers a chance to remember why they went through with the surgery, and maybe to hold themselves accountable. (You know how I am about accountability!!) And it gives the pre-ops a chance to talk about their fears and helps them understand what they're about to go through.

As you may have guessed, I'm going through the training with Obesity Help to become a support group leader. My surgeon's office does a meeting twice a month, every third Tuesday and first Saturday, and they haven't had a leader for the bypass group for a long time. At our last meeting the nurse that runs the support groups mentioned that they were looking for new leaders, so OF COURSE I said yes. I'm a big believer that education before, during, and after WLS is the biggest key to success. Not just for the patient, either, but for the entire support system. My husband nailed it on the head when he came to my first support group meeting, he realized that it wasn't just me that was having surgery, it was our whole family.

Yesterday was my first tele-training session, and it got me so excited about doing this. I'll have access to so much information about all varieties of WLS, a subscription to OH Magazine specifically for support group leaders, 10 issues of the standard OH Magazine that I can take to group and give away, a vendor sample program...and sooooo much more. The thing I'm most excited about, though, is all the educational information. I'm going to make a binder that I can keep with me, since I talk to so many people about WLS already. (Few things make me more angry than somebody that just assumes that WLS is a fatpass. Grrrr.)

My next tele-training session is today, and we'll be covering nutrition. YAY! I've not been as...um...vigilant about my nutrition as I should be lately, and I do feel it at times. I printed out a 37 page packet that we'll be going over, and it's CHOCK full of information, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Soooooooo.....today's plan.

9:00 head to the gym for weights, elliptical, and Zumba. I haven't worked out for two weeks, my ass NEEDS it.

Back home by noon. Do some housework & try to get caught up on laundry.

1:00 Tele-training

After that....blech...more laundry.

Don't forget to take your vitamins today!!! (I've been forgetting to take mine...)